Unexpectedly Excellent Plates of Pasta in Seattle

Seattle may feel far from Italy, but when it comes to pasta, this city can hang, what with the likes of Il Corvo and its legendary short-list of fresh noodles, or Italian icon Spinasse with its famed tajarin, those egg yolk-colored noodles in a delicate butter-and-sage sauce. For all the top options, check out Eater Seattle’s guide to essential pasta places.

There are unsung plates of pasta in this fair city, too, though, many of them flying under the radar in places you’d least expect: a German establishment serving traditional stuffed pastas alongside its brilliant brats; a food truck slinging some of Seattle’s most satisfying spaghetti; the Vietnamese place with an classic combo of clams, wine, butter, Asian-inflected. Who knows? You may yet find a few pleasant surprises here.

2. Stateside

French-Vietnamese fusion comes together with an Asian-influenced sauce of Shaoxing wine and Maggi butter atop succulent little clams and wheat noodles. Don’t forget a glass of Taittinger Champagne to go along with it; Stateside is one of the only joints in town that has a glass of the methode traditionnelle for a reasonable price.300 E Pike St Seattle, WA 98122 | (206) 557-7273 | WEBSITE

3. Mangia Me

You might be skeptical of homemade pasta pulled from the back of a truck, but this business-on-wheels is associated with Green Lake favorite Perche’ No Pasta and Vino, and its high mobility doesn’t seem to do the lasagna and spaghetti any harm. Check the website for the truck’s latest parking spot and get some goods.300 Terry Ave N Seattle, WA 98109 | (425) 610-9561 | WEBSITE

4. Dueminuti

A fast-casual eatery touting the science and nutrition of its pasta? You’re right to raise an eyebrow. But this new health-conscious restaurant, likely to be a chain in the future, makes food you’ll want to eat even on a cheat day. The oxtail and ossobucco ragout is a standout sauce on any noodle shape.412 Broadway E Seattle, WA 98102 | (206) 397-4375 | WEBSITE

5. Bottlehouse

If you’ve never been to this house-cum-bottleshop, drop whatever you’re doing. Known more for its curated wines, cheeses, and meats, Bottlehouse surprises with one of the greatest plates of mac and cheese in the city. Served in a personal cast iron, this bubbly orecchiette is worth any commute.1416 34th Ave Seattle, WA 98122 | (206) 708-7164 | WEBSITE

6 Cafe Flora

It’s a tough gig, sticking to the strict vegetarian and vegan lifestyle, but Cafe Flora has been making it a little easier on diners since day one. Flora’s food is inventive, and constantly changing to cater toward fresh, seasonal products. A wintery rendition of spaetzle with roasted celeriac, spinach, pear, smokey Rogue Creamery bleu cheese, and walnuts is a shining example of the consistent pasta knockouts that the kitchen produces.2901 E Madison St | Seattle, WA 98112 | (206) 325-9100 | WEBSITE

7. Westward

A few outstanding options for seafood-less pasta grace the menu here, a bit of a surprise given the restaurant’s fishy focus and lakeside location. The pork sugo with black pepper orecchiette and an egg may now be Seattle’s preferred way to brunch, and the vegetarian black pepper gemelli for dinner is just as good.2501 N Northlake Way Seattle, WA 98103 | (206) 552-8215 | WEBSITE